2008 Recruiting: Greg Shaw

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Greg Shaw
Miami, Florida
Monsignor Pace High School
6'5" 267#

This is Greg Shaw, who was the last commitment to the 2008 signing class, committing on National Signing Day back in February.  I think he is a solid player, perhaps the most complete offensive lineman in our signing class, and one who should be ready to play relatively quickly compared to the other linemen.

I've kind of gotten a little ahead of myself on all of these offensive linemen (we're almost done with them, thankfully).  It would help if I would go over what I look for when I evaluate offensive linemen.  Admittedly, I am an amateur at it, and a coach reading this might find it hopelessly oversimplified, but here's what I look for:

1. Strength at the point of the attack.  Can he drive a defender away from the line of scrimmage when he is lined up against a defensive lineman and he's trying to open up a hole for his runner?
2. Pass blocking.  Can he use a combination of strength and finesse to keep the rushers off his quarterback?
3. Blocking at the second level?  On screens, pulls, or traps, can he get out in front of a ball carrier, catch a linebacker, safety, or corner, and keep him from making the tackle?  This requires quickness and athleticism.
4. Quickness off the snap.  How long does it take him, once the ball is snapped, to get involved in the play?  An offensive lineman who is slow off the ball is doomed.